Homeschool Guide

How to Homeschool in Virginia

Here is exactly what Virginia requires to homeschool legally - how to notify (if needed), what records to keep, testing rules, and how to get started.

Last updated June 2026

Notice required
Required
Instructional days
Regular instruction
Portfolio
Required
Testing / evaluation
Required

Virginia homeschool requirements

  • Notification: Submit a notice of intent to your local school division superintendent by August 15 annually. Include curriculum/materials list.
  • Required subjects: No specific subject list is mandated; families typically cover language arts, math, science, and social studies.
  • Teacher requirement: Parent must hold a baccalaureate degree OR have a teaching license OR use approved curriculum OR demonstrate competency
  • Portfolio / records: Annual evidence of progress required. Submit standardized test results, portfolio assessment, or evaluation by a certified teacher to superintendent.
  • Testing / evaluation: Annual assessment required. Options: standardized test results, portfolio review by evaluator, or letter from certified teacher.
  • Recordkeeping: No retention period is set by the state; keep records organized year to year.

Key dates & deadlines

At the start of the yearFile your required notification with the district or state.
AnnuallyRenew your notification and complete the required assessment.

Getting started in Virginia

  1. File your required notification with your district or the state (see requirements above).
  2. Set up simple records: a log of instruction and samples of your child’s work.
  3. Choose curriculum for the subjects you’ll teach.
  4. Plan for the required annual assessment or evaluation.
  5. Keep your records organized from year to year.

Scholarships & funding in Virginia

Virginia does not currently run a state scholarship or education savings account program that homeschool families can use. Families here typically fund curriculum and materials themselves, which makes keeping clean purchase records useful at tax time and if the state's rules change.

Official resources

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to notify the state to homeschool in Virginia?
Submit a notice of intent to your local school division superintendent by August 15 annually. Include curriculum/materials list.
Do I need to be a certified teacher?
Parent must hold a baccalaureate degree OR have a teaching license OR use approved curriculum OR demonstrate competency
Is standardized testing required?
Annual assessment required. Options: standardized test results, portfolio review by evaluator, or letter from certified teacher.
How long should I keep records?
No retention period is mandated, but keeping thorough records is strongly recommended.
Is there scholarship or ESA funding for homeschoolers in Virginia?
Not at present. Virginia has no state scholarship or education savings account program open to homeschool families, though families still commonly track purchases for their own budgeting.
What subjects must I teach in Virginia?
Virginia does not set a required subject list. Most families cover language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies, and add subjects to suit the child.
How many days or hours of instruction does Virginia require?
Virginia does not set a specific hours or days requirement for homeschoolers. Keeping a simple record of instruction is still worthwhile if your circumstances change.
Track all of this automatically

Beyond My Books logs your Virginia instructional days, required subjects, portfolio, and deadlines - and warns you before anything is due.

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This guide is general information, not legal advice. Homeschool laws change - verify current requirements with your Virginia department of education or county superintendent.